August 17, 2007

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released satellite image maps depicting crop patterns for 2006. These images, referred to as the Cropland Data Layer, can be used in geographic information system (GIS) applications.

Crop maps are available for the Midwestern States (IL, IN, IA, NE, ND, WI), Mississippi Delta Region (AR, LA, MO, MS). When the satellite image maps are used in a GIS and combined with other data layers such as soil, transportation networks, or weather contours, they can be helpful in watershed analysis,soils utilization over large areas, and crop rotation analysis.

A CD-ROM is available for each region for $50. No individually reported data from any farm is included or derivable from the CD-ROM. This aligns with NASS policy to strictly protect the confidentiality of farmer reported data.

To order, visit the NASS Web site at http://www.nass.usda.gov/research/Cropland/SARS1a.htm and click "Order forms" or "Now Available CD-ROM and/or DVD". For additional information, call USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service Nebraska Field Office at 1-800-582-6443.